Avalanches are a major concern for those living in the Austrian Alps, so the <a href="http://www.lebensministerium.at/forst/schutz-naturgefahren/wildbach-lawinen/naturgefahren/lawinen.html" target="_blank">Wildbach &amp; Lawinenverbauung (WLV)</a> in Liezen was specifically designed to address this danger. Conceived by <a href="http://www.kreinerarchitektur.at/projekte/projektex.php" target="_blank">KREINERarchitektur</a>, the flood and avalanche center is built from concrete, stone, wood and glass and seeks to respect and reflect the surrounding mountains and environment. The goal of the center is to not only protect the neighboring land but also to protect the people that play and spend time in nature there.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

WLV Liezen features a shingled, curved roof that wraps up and over the office and warehouse evolving into a cubic form on the opposite end.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

On this end there are impressive views of the mountains along with light and airy rooms that adapt sensitively to the surrounding landscape.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Open and transparent the center is meant to exude friendly nature and welcome visitors to learn more about the environment and natural dangers.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

The facility also includes archives, a canteen, a meeting room and a multifunctional foyer.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

The flood and avalanche center is built from untreated larch wood, glass, raw stone, concrete - all materials that lend well to reuse and recycling and are respectful of the surrounding nature.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Warehouse facilities for equipment and gear to address floods and avalanches.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Light and airy meeting room.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Large sliding windows/doors let ample light in and open the space up to the outdoors during good weather.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Stone gabion baskets serve as a partial foundation, facade and rain screen for the lower floor, while the upper floor is encased in a louvered facade that works to project the interior form heat gain.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

The distinctive silhouette depicts the waves of the stream and the materials used for construction are also a symbol of taming the stream as a way of flood control.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Ground and first floor plan of WLV Liezen.

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WLV Leizen-Kreiner Architektur

Avalanches are a major concern for those living in the Austrian Alps, so the Wildbach & Lawinenverbauung (WLV) in Liezen was specifically designed to address this danger. Conceived by KREINERarchitektur, the flood and avalanche center is built from concrete, stone, wood and glass and seeks to respect and reflect the surrounding mountains and environment. The goal of the center is to not only protect the neighboring land but also to protect the people that play and spend time in nature there.